What is a commonly used screening tool for depression in primary care settings?

The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a widely utilized screening tool for depression in primary care settings because it is specifically designed to assess the presence and severity of depressive symptoms. The PHQ-9 consists of nine questions that are based on the diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder as outlined in the DSM-5. Its structured format allows primary care providers to easily administer the questionnaire, interpret the results, and initiate discussions about the patient's mental health.

The PHQ-9 not only helps in screening for depression but also serves as a measure for tracking treatment progress over time. Given its validity, reliability, and ease of use, it fits seamlessly into the workflow of a primary care practice, allowing practitioners to efficiently manage and monitor their patients' mental health.

Other tools, while valuable in their own right, do not have the same level of focus or applicability for depression specifically in primary care contexts. For instance, the Beck Depression Inventory is also a recognized tool, but it tends to be used more frequently in specialized mental health settings rather than in general primary care.